The Human Genome Project gave us an incredible foundation from which to understand our potential genetic repertoire. In order to understand the actual roles of particular genes in disease, however, it is not only critical to identify genes, but also to know in which cells the genes are expressed and when.
“Genetics has gotten very good at finding genetic variation associated with disease. Going from genetic results to biological understanding of disease is the next important challenge,” said Broad Institute member Steve McCarroll, also director of genetics in the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad and an assistant professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.